High school softball: Carl Albert’s Zadie LaValley commits to Baylor

The senior catcher, who decommitted from Tulsa earlier this year, is one of the best hitters in the state. In 2018, she had 13 home runs and a .571 batting average as Carl Albert captured its second straight Class 5A state championship.

The Titans will compete in this year’s state tournament, beginning Thursday.

LaValley told The Oklahoman she picked Baylor because of several reasons. LaValley admires Baylor because it is a private Christian university, and she believes the Bears have a good chance to compete in the Women’s College World Series. Longtime Baylor coach Glenn Moore has led the Bears to four appearances in the WCWS during his tenure in Waco, Texas.

“I loved everything about their campus,” LaValley said. “It’s beautiful there. The coaching staff is one of the best I’ve seen.”

LaValley is one of several star athletes in her family.

Her older brother, Carter, plays baseball at Oklahoma. Their cousin, Audrie, is on the OU softball team. Audrie’s brother, Gavin, is in the Cincinnati Reds organization.

Carl Albert's Zadie LaValley poses for a photo during The Oklahoman's Fall Sports Media Day at Bishop McGuinness High School on Aug. 14. [Doug Hoke/The Oklahoman]Carl Albert's Zadie LaValley poses for a photo during The Oklahoman's Fall Sports Media Day at Bishop McGuinness High School on Aug. 14. [Doug Hoke/The Oklahoman]

Nick Sardis

Nick Sardis joined The Oklahoman in 2017, and he covers high school sports. The 22-year-old was born and raised in Norman, and he played baseball at Norman North High School. He is a senior at the University of Oklahoma.
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